Deadline approaches to purchase wreaths for graves at Sarasota National Cemetery

November 7, 2012

The deadline is fast approaching for those who wish to purchase a wreath for the Wreaths Across America ceremony in December in Sarasota.

According to Jill Davidson, Pine Island VFW Auxiliary Treasurer, so far 175 wreaths have been bought, which does not cover the 400 Lee County veterans that were laid to rest at the Sarasota National Cemetery.

Since 1995, ceremonies have taken place throughout the United States on the second Saturday in December thanks to Wreaths Across America, a non-profit organization, which formed after Morrill Worcester of the Worcester Wreath Company donated 5,000 wreaths to be laid on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery.

Individuals can purchase a wreath for $15 or they can donate whatever amount they choose. The cut off date for donations is Nov. 21.

"This is the season for giving," Davidson said.

Those who wish to donate can call Davidson at home at 239-283-1826, cell phone at 239-671-8135 or by mailing a check to Wreaths Across America, P.O. Box 432, St. James City, FL, 33956-0432.

The Wreaths Across America ceremony will take place Dec. 15 at the Sarasota National Cemetery, which everyone is welcome to attend.

Last year Davidson collected $1,725 in less than two weeks from the community, which was enough money to put 115 wreaths on the fallen comrades' sites at Sarasota National Cemetery.